23/08/2026
*THREE ZAMBIA POLICE OFFICERS LEAD ZAMBIA’S VOLLEYBALL CHARGE TO CAVB WOMEN’S AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP NAIROBI-KENYA*
Sgt Arnold Simulezi, Constable Chesekela Gift and Constable Annie Kalaba Set to Fly the Zambia Police Flag High at African Championship
Lusaka, Zambia | 23 August 2026
Three dedicated junior officers of the Zambia Police Service are set to take centre stage as they join Zambia’s final delegation to the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
As the first batch of the Zambian delegation prepares to depart Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka at 12:00 hours today, three members of the Zambia Police Service—Sergeant Arnold Simulezi, Constable Chesekela Gift and Constable Annie Kalaba—will be among those carrying the Zambian flag onto the continental volleyball stage.
Their selection is not only a sporting achievement but also a powerful reflection of the discipline, commitment and dedication demonstrated by young officers who have successfully combined their responsibilities in the Zambia Police Service with their passion and service to volleyball.
SGT ARNOLD SIMULEZI – LEADING FROM THE TECHNICAL BENCH
At the forefront is Sergeant Arnold Simulezi, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of Head Coach of the Zambia Women’s National Volleyball Team.
Simulezi’s appointment follows an impressive campaign at the CAVB Zone VI Senior LA28 Qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe, where Zambia defeated hosts Zimbabwe 3–0 in the final to win the women’s gold medal and secure qualification for the African Nations Championship.
Under his technical leadership, Zambia demonstrated discipline, tactical maturity and resilience throughout the tournament.
The achievement also earned Simulezi the prestigious Best Coach award at the Zone VI championship, recognition of the technical work that went into building a competitive Zambian side.
His journey to Nairobi therefore represents more than simply being appointed as national team head coach. It is the result of years of hard work, technical development, leadership and commitment to the growth of volleyball.
As he takes charge of Zambia's women at the African championship, Sergeant Simulezi will be looking to once again demonstrate the coaching qualities that helped Zambia rise to the top of Zone VI.
CONSTABLE CHESEKELA GIFT – FROM OFFICIATING TO THE CONTINENTAL STAGE
Another Zambia Police officer making history is Constable Chesekela Gift, Zambia’s second International Volleyball Referee and one of the country's leading technical officials.
Chesekela has been nominated by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) to accompany the Zambian delegation to Nairobi and is set to officiate at the African championship.
His nomination follows his appointment to officiate at the CAVB Zone VI Senior LA28 Qualifiers in Harare, where he was entrusted with matches involving some of Southern Africa's leading national teams.
His continued progression has placed him among the most trusted volleyball officials from the region. He is currently recognised as Zambia and Southern Africa's only international referee at the CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship, making his appointment a significant achievement for Zambian officiating.
But Chesekela's contribution to volleyball extends well beyond the referee stand.
He has played an important role in referee development, technical education, knowledge transfer and capacity building through the Zambia Volleyball Association (ZAVA). He also contributes to the administration and development of the Zambia National Volleyball League, making his role both technical and administrative.
His journey demonstrates how a young police officer can use discipline, education and commitment to rise from domestic officiating to the highest levels of continental volleyball.
In Nairobi, Constable Chesekela will not only be representing Zambia as an international official, but will also be carrying the reputation of Zambian officiating and the Zambia Police Service.
CONSTABLE ANNIE KALABA – CAPTAIN AND LEADER OF THE NATIONAL TEAM
Completing the trio is Constable Annie Kalaba, who has earned her place in the final Zambia Women's National Team squad and will once again play a key role in the country's continental campaign.
Kalaba was instrumental in Zambia's historic Zone VI gold medal triumph in Harare, where she served as team captain and led the side with composure, determination and experience.
Zambia defeated Malawi 3–0, Namibia 3–1 and eventually overcame hosts Zimbabwe 3–0 in the final after previously losing to them 3–2 during the round-robin stage.
As captain, Kalaba played a critical role in keeping the team focused after the earlier setback and inspiring the players to respond with a championship-winning performance.
Her leadership was a major factor in Zambia's success and qualification for the African Nations Championship.
Her selection for the final squad in Nairobi is therefore a continuation of a remarkable journey in which she has combined her duties as a Constable of the Zambia Police Service with her role as one of Zambia's leading volleyball players and leaders.
NAOMI KAHALU – CIVILIAN TALENT JOINS THE POLICE OFFICERS
The Zambia delegation will also feature Naomi Kahalu, a civilian player from Nkwazi Volleyball Club, who has earned her place in the final national team squad.
Kahalu's selection demonstrates that the national team brings together talent from across the Zambian volleyball fraternity, regardless of professional background.
Her presence alongside the three Zambia Police officers provides another example of how sport continues to bring together public servants, clubs and athletes in pursuit of national glory.
THREE OFFICERS, ONE MISSION – TO FLY ZAMBIA’S FLAG HIGH
The stories of Sgt Arnold Simulezi, Constable Chesekela Gift and Constable Annie Kalaba are united by a common thread: hard work, discipline, sacrifice and service.
As junior officers in the Zambia Police Service, they have demonstrated that excellence in policing and excellence in sport can complement each other.
Their contribution to Zambian volleyball has been both technical and administrative.
Simulezi has provided technical leadership from the coaching bench. Kalaba has provided leadership and stability on the court, while Chesekela has contributed extensively to officiating, referee development, technical education and volleyball administration.
Their achievements are therefore bigger than their individual selections.
They represent the impact that young and dedicated professionals can have when they commit themselves to developing sport while continuing to serve their country.
The three officers now have another opportunity to demonstrate the discipline, professionalism and patriotism associated with the Zambia Police Service.
As they travel to Nairobi, they will be looking to fly the Zambia Police Service command high, while representing the nation with honour and pride on one of Africa's biggest volleyball stages.
THE JOURNEY TO NAIROBI BEGINS TODAY
The first batch of the Zambian delegation will depart Lusaka for Nairobi through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 12:00 hours today, Sunday, 23 August 2026.
The delegation will leave the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) at 09:00 hours for KKIA, where an official send-off will be held.
The 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship runs from 23 August to 5 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
For Sgt Arnold Simulezi, Constable Chesekela Gift and Constable Annie Kalaba, the assignment represents another chapter in their growing contribution to Zambian volleyball.
They travel not merely as athletes, coach or official, but as young officers carrying the honour of the Zambia Police Service and the hopes of a nation.
Three officers. One volleyball family. One national mission.
Issued by
ZAVA Media Team.
